Leon Megé: a Cut Above The Rest

Throughout my career as a designer, many aspects of my jewelry making have changed: styles, preferred metals, favored gemstones; however, my design philosophy has always remained the same. I strive to create what I call “true gemstone jewelry”, defined by the minimal use of metal in order to showcase the gemstones. This creates a bold yet elegant look can that only be achieved using basic tools, precise skills and a supreme artistic vision.
When designing custom jewelry, whether an engagement ring, a bespoke statement piece or a celebratory gift, meeting the expectations of the client takes precedence. Even as our business continues to grow, I strive to work personally with each client. I enjoy the collaborative process of taking someone’s wishes and turning them into a special work of art that will be treasured for a lifetime.
As a jewelry designer, it is my mission to “break the mold” of conventional jewelry and design pieces that will stimulate and inspire those who wear them. I like to create inventive pieces with modern structural twists to them. The award-winning Maestro Ring, for example, was made to transform a music aficionado’s passion into a beloved statement piece. The ring was handmade in the form of an old-fashioned gramophone, featuring interchangeable records made of black ebony wood with tiny, colorful gemstones to fit a client’s personal music taste. The ring has become a coveted collectors piece.
I have always had a vision as a designer to create extraordinary, one-of-a-kind, handcrafted jewelry that perfectly suits each client. My traditional artistry, from time-honored techniques to my exclusive use of hand-tools, stems from my European background. Having humble roots as a bench jeweler in St. Petersburg taught me that precision and handwork are the most important skills in crafting fine jewelry. Every Leon Megé piece is designed and hand made without the use of molds or computer modeling. I firmly believe there are no short cuts to achieving a flawless piece of jewelry.
From custom-made bridal jewelry to imaginative statement pieces, using the finest materials is essential to the crafting of a Leon Megé design. I take great pride in using only the highest quality of gemstones when constructing my jewelry. While other designers veer away from the less traditional gemstones, I find inspiration in rare and exotic gems. What better to make a special, custom-made piece of jewelry out of, than an extraordinary blue Paraiba tourmaline? This recently discovered stone is more rare than a diamond and has become one of my favorite muses.
As a designer and enthusiast of “true gemstone jewelry”, the specialty of micro-pave is one of my most valued skills. True micro-pave refers to a technique of setting miniature gemstones in multiple rows with expert precision. When using this technique it is my pursuit to make the metal invisible or as unseen as possible, showcasing the exquisiteness of the gemstones.
In addition to using the finest materials and techniques, I always try to ensure that that my designs stay true the Leon Megé brand that my team and I have created over the past fifteen years. Our brand is defined by authenticity, creativity, personality and sometimes, a touch of whimsy; a Leon Megé piece always offers the upmost luxury, but never pretension.
Exerpt:Throughout my career as a designer, many aspects of my jewelry making have changed: styles, preferred metals, favored gemstones; however, my design philosophy has always remained the same. I strive to create what I call “true gemstone jewelry”, defined by the minimal use of metal in order to showcase the gemstones. This creates a bold yet elegant look can that only be achieved using basic tools, precise skills and a supreme artistic vision.
When designing custom jewelry, whether an engagem..